A foundation can make or break your entire makeup routine and that’s why I am sharing the best clean foundations. This will set the base for everything that comes after. If you don’t choose the correct color for your skin tone or the best option for your skin type you aren’t going to love how it looks.
And that’s where I come in to help! After trying numerous brands over the past nearly 10 years I have narrowed it down to just 9 foundations. Since we know application is key, I am also giving all the tips and tricks for prepping your skin and applying it to have the most natural look.
*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale. This comes at no cost to you, but is paid by the company. I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly. If I am, it’s because I believe in the company and their product.
Why is choosing a clean foundation so important?
Other than your actual skin care products, your foundation is going to cover the most amount of your actual skin allowing for more absorption of potential toxins. You also have to consider that you will wear it for 8-12 hours of the day for many days throughout the week for most of us. And then add in that you may not even know what is in the ingredient list of your beloved foundation…yikes!
Lowering your toxic load by choosing more natural and organic skincare and makeup products is so important!
And if you take a look at the actual ingredients found in conventional foundations, you may realize that a natural brand is the way to go. And with all beauty products, a brand claiming to be ‘natural, green or clean’ isn’t enough. I recommend actually reading the label of your products.
Here are some of the big hitters for toxic ingredients that can be found in foundation:
- Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): A petroleum based compound, it is used as an emollient in cosmetics. It is created when ethylene oxide (known carcinogen via inhalation) is reacted with other, less harmful ingredients. In this reaction process, by-products such as 1, 4 dioxane (probable human carcinogen) are created. Manufacturers could remove these but unfortunately many do not.
- BHA/BHT: Used as preservatives in beauty products, BHA/BHT have been linked to endocrine disruption and organ-system toxicity.
- Parabens: Used as a preservative in your beauty products or for fragrance, parabens have been linked to endocrine disruption, cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity. When looking on the ingredient list the ingredient may start with things like ethyl-, butyl-, methyl-, etc and end with -paraben.
- Ethanolamines: Used for things like pH adjuster, fragrance or emulsifying agent. Has been linked to cancer, environmental concerns (bioaccumulation), organ system toxicity. On the ingredients list you will see MEA, DEA or TEA.
- Phenoxyethanol: Used as a preservative. This is a confusing one at times because there are clean sources of it and if it is used in concentrations less than 1%, it is safe. However it can be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane (probable human carcinogen) so it is imperative that you know your product has a clean source of it.
- Fragrance/Parfum: A group of chemicals responsible for the scent (or even lack of scent) of a product. There are thousands of chemicals that can be included under the blanket ingredient “fragrance” and don’t have to be disclosed to preserve trade secrets. Just some of these thousands of ingredients are linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, allergies and sensitivities.
- Lead/Heavy Metals: Sometimes these are added ingredients on the label, while some products are contaminated with these heavy metals. Health concerns include: cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, organ system toxicity, environmental concerns (bioaccumulation).
While looking at this list may seem overwhelming (and this isn’t even an all inclusive list of the toxic ingredients to look out for), it is actually meant to help you feel empowered. When you know better, you can do better. You can always start with one product at a time to switch out. And using my Top 9 Natural and Clean Foundations, you will have one less toxic cosmetic product in your home!
Natural Foundation Application Tips
You can get just the right foundation for your skin but then end up hating it because you’re applying it all wrong and with the wrong tools. Believe it or not tools make a huge difference when applying foundation and getting the desired result.
Besides tools, prepping your skin before foundation application is essential as well. No matter how great the formula, foundation isn’t going to look great if your skin is dry, or flaky.
How To Prep Your Skin For Your Foundation
Exfoliate skin– you don’t need to exfoliate every time before foundation application (that can irritate skin) but 1-2 times a week is ideal. Exfoliating your skin gets rid of the dead skin and leaves you with the newest and smoothest skin. No more weird dry patches where your foundation globs up in an area. Exfoliating creates a smooth canvas for your foundation to adhere too.
Related Content: Best Exfoliators for Dry Skin
Apply an oil or serum– Once your skin is smooth I always recommend applying an oil or lotion before foundation. This helps the foundation glide on and look natural and flawless. Have you ever tried applying foundation to dry skin? Not pretty huh?! It doesn’t glide on and ends up looking splotchy. After you apply an oil or lotion, wait a couple minutes for it to absorb. I like to brush my teeth during the wait time.
Related Content: Best Natural Facial Moisturizers (For Your Skin Type)
Apply a primer- A primer is a great additive to your makeup routine. It really can help create a seamless canvas. Even after moisturizing with an oil or a facial lotion a primer can be the little extra that takes your foundation look to the next level. I recommend primers because they can really help to seal pores. As you probably know, no matter how big or small your pores are, if you wear a liquid foundation it usually can sink into the pores. Not the look we want.
That’s not all primers shield, they also help to make your makeup last longer by blocking the dust/debris from the day. They help fill in fine lines and wrinkles by creating a smooth canvas for your whole complexion. I heard one makeup artist say it acts like drywall for your face, filling in the gaps where needed and creating an even canvas. Especially if you get one with silicone in it. I know there has been some controversy over silicone being a mask and causing breakouts but I disagree. I think it really depends on your skin and how you tolerate silicone. A couple of my fave primers in clean beauty are Beautycounter’s Glow First Primer and Exa Just Start Smoothing Primer.
How To Apply Your Foundation
Use the right tool for application– Depending on the type of foundation you choose, it’s important to use the right brush or tool. Oftentimes people get the wrong finish from a foundation because they are using the wrong tool.
Here’s a cheat sheet for using the right tool for the desired finish:
Mineral Powder Foundations
- If you want a lighter finish use a Flat Top Brush for application. Tap some mineral powder into the cap and swirl your brush into the product. Then tap off excess on the cap and apply.
- If you want an airbrushed look with medium coverage use a damp Makeup Sponge for application. Tap some mineral powder into the cap of the mineral foundation. Then just dip a damp beauty blender into the powder and blot/glide on.
- If you want a heavy/full coverage, use a Makeup Sponge and mix your mineral foundation with a little water. First tap some mineral powder into the cap and then using your fingers add some water until you reach a nice consistency that isn’t too dry or wet. It should re- semble a liquid consistency. Then use the beauty blender to apply.
Liquid Foundations
- If you want a medium coverage use a Flat Thin Foundation Brush. I put some liquid foundation on the back of my hand and then dab the foundation brush in and use a light stippling motion(also known as a tapping motion) all over the face. Rubbing too hard will irritate the skin.
- For a lighter coverage use a Makeup Sponge. The beauty blender is going to soak up some of the foundation and so the effect is not going to be as intense. I just add some to the back of my hand and then dip my beauty blender into the product and apply with stippling motions across my face.
- For a heavy coverage use a Flat Top Foundation Brush. This brush is going to get more product on the bristles and give you a full coverage look. Apply some product to the back of your hand and dip brush in. Apply with a stippling motion across your face and using downward strokes.
Cream Compact Foundations
- I’ve found the best application for cream compact foundations when wanting a medium to full coverage is a Flat Thin Foundation Brush. It helps to seamlessly blend the foundation into the skin. I use a stippling motion and downward strokes.
- I also love using the RMS Skin to Skin Foundation Brush. It effortlessly deposits the right amount of color and creates a flawless finish. Works especially great with RMS “Un” Cover Up.
- For a lighter coverage, you can use a Makeup Sponge and a stippling motion.
Stick Foundations
- These are easy to apply. Just take the stick and swipe it across sections of your face. From your forehead, cheeks, chin and nose. Then take a Makeup Sponge to blend in.
- You can also use a Flat Top Foundation Brush to blend in too.
- If you want a lighter more natural finish use your fingers. But make sure you wash your hands before application.
- If you want a lighter more natural finish use your fingers. But make sure you wash your hands before application.
BB Creams/Tinted Moisturizers
These are a lot simpler when it comes to application. Since they aren’t that heavy, it’s easier to apply and a lot more forgiving. You can apply with your fingers but always wash your hands before application. I also like using a Beauty Blender and Flat Top Foundation Brush too. Makeup Sponge for a lighter application and Flat Top for a heavier application. If using your fingers apply around the t-zone and out.
Tips and Tricks For Making Foundation Look More Natural
- Always start in the t-zone and blend out. That’s generally where people have redness and discoloration. It also helps to make the foundation look more natural because as you’re blending out the product gets thinner and blends better.
- A stick foundation is a great option when you just want to spot coverage certain areas on your face and achieve a more natural look.
- Use a liquid foundation which can look more natural overall. It blends easier into the skin and can create a second skin effect.
- Hydrate skin! Making sure skin is hydrated can give you a dewy, natural look overall instead of a cakey, pasty look. Hydrated skin always looks more supple and youthful.
- Less is more. Always start with less product and then gradually work your way up. You can always add more, but it’s harder to take it away.
Related Content: Best Talc Free Setting Powders
9 Best Natural & Clean Foundations
*I wanted to share that all the photos are in the same light, maybe slightly different due to weather that day but same window, same lighting and same time in the morning. I also am very pregnant in most of these photos (37-38 weeks) so if my face looks puffy or I look tired that’s why! 🙂
RMS Beauty “UN” Cover Up Cream Foundation
Price: $36 for 1 fl. ounce
Skin Type: Great for Normal/Dry Skin
Color Shades Available: 16
My Shade: 22
This foundation is so creamy and dewy. It comes in a glass jar and literally lasts forever! A little goes a long way. I start in my t-zone and then blend out so I get more of a natural look. Love how buildable it is and offers great coverage. You can easily get full coverage with this foundation if you want. Great for normal skin and dry skin. If you have oily or acne prone skin I wouldn’t recommend it since it has some comedogenic ingredients in it. Get it here!
Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation
Price: $54 for 30mL
Skin Type: Great for all skin types
Color Shades Available: 30
My Shade: SF3 in the winter and SF3.5 to SF4 in the summer.
I actually prefer this over Ilia’s Vivid Foundation because it doesn’t feel greasy to me and the longevity is great. It is a liquid but then it sets after a while and you get a great long wearing foundation. It really feels and acts like your skin, yet I still feel like it gives my skin great coverage. A very lightweight foundation. It provides light to medium coverage, depending on how much you apply. Comes in a glass pump bottle. It really melts into your skin so well leaving behind a natural look overall. Get it here!
Related Content: Ilia Beauty Review
OGEE Sculpted Complexion Stick
Price: $64 for 9.7 grams
Skin Type: For all skin types
Color Shades Available: 9
My Shade: Linden
After having tried Ogee skincare last fall, I knew I needed to get my hands on some of their makeup products! They marry skincare ingredients into their makeup formulas so well. The result is glowing skin- seriously! Their sculpted complexion stick does it all. From offering buildable coverage, to evening skin tone. But Ogee doesn’t stop there. It’s also packed full of Pracaxi Seed Oil and Patchouli Leaf Extract that help with collagen production and elasticity. It blends so flawlessly into the skin. I first apply directly onto skin with the stick and then use their blender brush to blend in. I’m telling you- your skin will be glowing and you’ll feel like you have nothing on! Get it here and use code OGEEGLOW10 to save 10% off!
Related Content: Ogee Makeup Review
Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops
Price: $68 for 30mL
Skin Type: Great for dry, normal and combination skin
Color Shades Available: 20
My Shade: Atelier III
This was a new foundation that came out last year and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. It marries the skin benefits of a serum with a tint. So you get this incredibly smooth, dewy finish to your skin. I love how luminous and light this feels on my skin. It doesn’t feel heavy, yet still offers decent medium coverage for redness/imperfections. Your skin glows after using it. It’s very liquidy, so you need to make sure and shake it well so the product is even upon application. Looks like your skin but enhanced. Get it here!
Exa High Fidelity Foundation
Price: $38 for 1.1 ounce
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Color Shades Available: 43
My Shade: Katey/440
This foundation is very buildable and you can really make the coverage light or heavy depending on what type of look you’re going for. It has a semi-matte finish to it. Great for those with oilier skin or dry skin. It’s hydrating but not overly hydrating. I love that it comes in 47 shades! Really making it so great for any skin tone to find their exact color match. It doesn’t feel heavy on but really can provide great coverage overall. If you feel like you haven’t been able to find your exact color, check out Exa. Get it here!
Related Content: Indie Makeup Brands Worth Supporting
Crunchi Beautifully Flawless Foundation
Price: $50 for 30mL
Skin Type: Great for all skin types
Color Shades Available: 11
My Shade: 2.5
I had tried Crunchi’s original formula for their foundation several years ago but since then they have reformulated and it’s better than ever! It has the perfect blend of a satin and semi-matte finish really giving you a flawless look no matter what skin type you have. It feels hydrating yet, not too wet of a formula. I love how it glides on the skin and really covers up my redness, but still feels like my skin overall. A little goes a long way! You don’t have to use that much to really get awesome coverage. I’ve had a lot of people with acne say they don’t have flare ups while using this foundation too as well as some with rosacea who get good coverage yet no flare ups. Get it here!
Beautycounter Skin Twin Foundation
Price: $50 for 30mL
Skin Type: Great for all skin types
Color Shades Available: 18
My Shade: 340 with self tanner and 310 if I’m not wearing self tanner
If you have been around for any time at all, you know I LOVE this foundation. Definitely a favorite liquid foundation in clean beauty. It has such a great consistency and it feels hydrating but offers the coverage I crave. A great medium coverage overall which means it looks like your skin but better. It has a ton of hyaluronic acid in it which really helps to plump up the skin and make it appear smooth. I also really love the longevity of Skin Twin, it still looks good after a full day wearing it. Check it out here!
Related Content: Beautycounter Review (Hits & Misses)
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick
Price: $68 for .3oz
Skin Type: Great for all skin types
Color Shades Available: 21
My Shade: Atelier III
This was the first Westman Atelier product that I tried and fell hard for. It is unlike any clean beauty foundation that I’ve used. It’s creamy, and gives your skin the perfect balance of coverage and glow. It provides a dewy finish that looks like your skin but enhanced. The foundation comes housed in a stick form. You can apply directly on your skin or use a brush to get the product and then apply it to your skin. I’ve done both and prefer using Westman Atelier’s Foundation brush to get the product and then applying it to my skin. But I’ve seen Gucci- the founder, do both ways- it’s whatever you prefer. What is unique about this product is that it’s not only a foundation but also a concealer in one. So you don’t need an additional product. Something I’ve come to love about it. While the foundation stick may seem pricey at $68, you’re also not having to purchase a concealer as well. It’s a buildable texture foundation, so if you want more coverage you can simply add more product to your skin. You can also use your fingers to blend as well. This has worked on oily skin and dry skin complexions. This is the first stick foundation I really have loved! Get it here!
Related Content: Westman Atelier Review & Guide
Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Flawless Serum Foundation
Price: $44 for 30 mL
Skin Type: Great for Dry and Oily Skin
Color Shades Available: 10
My Shade: Sand
I found this foundation last year and love it! It feels like a serum and is so nourishing and hydrating on the skin. It really is almost like a skincare product for the skin with ingredients like Vitamin C and Vitamin E, plus resveratrol rich grapeseed and fruit stem cells. It is just so soothing on the skin. It offers great coverage (medium to full) and makes the skin look dewy and youthful. It also doesn’t settle into fine lines! My sister who is 43 and has oily skin loves it just as much as I do with my dry skin. Get it here!
And there it is! After years of trying different clean beauty brands these 9 foundations have really stood above the rest. You are sure to find one that will work for you.
What is your favorite natural and clean foundation?
If you liked this post check out these past posts:
- Kosas Makeup Review: Top 10 Must Try Products
- Best Foundation for Women Over 40
- Best Natural Beauty Concealers
Hi, thanks for the article. I wanted to ask what you think of this ingredient, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, found in Ilia True Skin Serum foundation. I wanted to switch to Ilia because i read that it’s “clean” yet this ingredient,from what i can find, is toxic.
This is a silicone, not toxic. It’s rated a 1 on the EWG Skin Deep Database. It’s a binder.
Why are products with phenoexyethanol and silicones in this list? They might be low on EWG or okay in small amounts but in my opinion they shouldn’t be I included in clean beauty bc they aren’t good for anyone.
Hi Kayla,
From the research I’ve done I don’t find them to be harmful in the amounts listed in the products. I’ve spoken to many cosmetic chemists and they said phenoxyethanol is not a concern at all compared to other ingredients. It’s been demonized but the hard evidence isn’t there. It’s all in the amounts too, which anything in large amounts can be harmful, even lavender. At the end of the day do what you feel is best!
Have you looked into Pür cosmetics foundation? It’s great coverage but I haven’t found much info on it
I have, I don’t like the ingredients. It has PEGs in it which is a big no for me.
Is titanium dioxide harmful?
Does hourglass and bareminerals foundation have toxins or have any harmful chemicals?
How about 100percentpure foundations ?
I wouldn’t say that titanium dioxide is harmful. The harm comes into play more when breathing it, then applying it. Hourglass and bareminerals foundation both have ingredients I wouldn’t use. 100% percent pure is a good foundation. I don’t particularly like it, but ingredients are pretty decent.
Kayla I AGREE! do you have any suggestions of totally clean? I want totally clean!!
Hi Tiffany,
I would love to help you find a clean foundation. Are there specific ingredients you would like to avoid?
Hi!
Thanks for all the helpful suggestions for clean foundations. I was curious what your thoughts were on the Merit or Saige products. Both advertised as clean beauty products but just wanted to see if you have looked into their ingredients. Thanks! 🙂
Hi Haliegh,
I have looked into Merit and have a full review you can read about here: https://gurlgonegreen.com/2023/04/29/merit-beauty-review/ I think you must mean Saie products? I’ve never heard of Saige. I do have a review on Saie products as well here: https://gurlgonegreen.com/2023/07/20/saie-beauty-review/
Do you know of a foundation that is medium to full coverage and made for pink undertones? I love Crunchi but it’s too orange in places for me. I tried the samples from Vapour but it looked and felt greasy/oily on my face. Even with a setting powder.
Hi Kara,
RMS Beauty Un Cover up cream foundation would be one I would look into. Also Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick.
Hi! Between Crunchi & Exa, which foundation lasts the longest throughout the day?!
Hi Aimee,
Crunchi! They’re both good, but Crunchi definitely stays put quite well!
Hi Suzi! I was wondering if the Kosas Tinted Face Oil is the only “foundation” from that brand that is natural? I was looking at the Revealer Skin Improving Foundation SPF 25 but I’m skeptical of some of the ingredients. What is your opinion it?
Hi Thanelle,
What specific ingredients are you concerned about?
Hi Suzi!
Do you have recommendations for a clean foundation that is light-medium coverage (mostly to smooth tone and give brightness/dewy-ness) for dry skin and also caters to medium-light cool tones? Thanks in advance!
Hi Eve,
Yes, I would recommend Westman Atelier’s Complexion Drops. Gives a beautiful dewy finish to the skin and brightness. They do have great medium-light cool tones as well.
I’m 59 and looking for a clean foundation that is full coverage and stays. Thank you
Hi Melissa,
I would recommend Beautycounter Skin Twin and Crunchi’s Beautifully Flawless Foundation.
How would you compare the water foundation from 100% pure with crunchi and skin twin? Would you say these last longer?
I haven’t used 100% Pure. Last I checked 100% Pure wasn’t as clean.
Hi Suzi. What do you think of IL MAKIAGE foundations? They are advertising on YouTube. Also, do the brands you recommend have sunscreen in them? I live in Hawaii and I need something very light weight to even out my skin while providing sun protection. Is there one out of your list of 9 that you like best for skin over 50 that’s light weight, natural looking and moisturizing?
Hi Sylvia,
The IL Makiage Foundations are not great- I looked into their ingredients. Most of the brands I recommend don’t have sunscreen in them. I would recommend for a sunscreen, with decent coverage that’s lightweight: Tower28 Beauty Sunny Days SPF 30 Foundation and also Suntegritys 5-in-1 Moisturzing Lotion.
Hi Suzi, what do you think of Ordinary serum and coverage foundations. I have been using them for a while now.
Hi Ann,
Not a fan, they are a greenwash brand in my opinion. They have PEGs in their products and those can be contaminated with 1,4dioxane- carcinogen.
Hi Suzi! Love your list. I am beginning the process of going as clean as I possibly can. In regards to a medium to full coverage foundation, what is the cleanest brand you have found? I have combination skin that needs great coverage but can still breathe.
Hi Auna,
I would recommend a couple. The first is Exa’s High Fidelity Foundation. It is buildable and feels very lightweight on the skin. You might not get the full coverage, but it’s pretty close. I like that it covers redness, hyperpigmentation but doesn’t feel heavy. Also, very good ingredients! Another one I would recommend is Crunchi’s Beautifully Flawless Foundation. It offers medium to full coverage, and amazing ingredients. Great for combination skin too.
I’m wondering what your opinion of Jane Iredale foundations is?
Hi Linda,
It’s ok. I prefer the powder foundations over the liquid. The liquid separates. The powders are nice, especially for helping control oil and shine.
A great article Suzi, thank you for the indepth reviews, so helpful!
I would really love your opinion.
I’m 45, have never worn any kind of foundation or anything, just some powder blush to not look dead in winter.
I’m wanting to start using some light, natural and clean foundation of some sort- I’m getting a bit of middle-age-acne and my skin tone isn’t as bright and even as it once was.
What would you recommend for basically a make-up newbie for a simple “no make up” look?
Thanks again!
I love Westman Atelier’s Complexion Drops. They really look like your skin but enhanced. Gives you a dewy look. You don’t need a ton. I also love their cream blushes too. Great for not looking overdone. Their powder bronzer is amazing! My favorite. It’s not heavy, so doesn’t look cakey at all.
Hi Suzi!
Have you yet tried or have an opinion about Chanecaille?
Oops. It’s with a t, Chantecaille!
Hi Sammy,
I don’t like their ingredients. They contain PEGs which can be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane which is a carcinogen.
Would love to know what deoderants you like.
Hi Amy,
I really like Primally Pure’s Blue Tansy Deodorant and their Charcoal Deodorant. Also, love Ursa Major’s Sublime Sage Spray Deodorant and their Hoppin’ Fresh.
Suzi, what is your opinion on Jones Road What the Foundation?
Hi Nora,
I’ve tried a handful of their products. Some are cleaner than others. Didn’t love them all. Really love their Miracle Balm! Haven’t tried their foundation.
Hi, I am looking for a non toxic (or minimal) liquid foundation for my 10 year old daughter. She needs make up for dance competition. Which one would you recommend the best?
Hi Kit,
A couple options. I would check out Beautycounter’s Skin Twin. Light, but buildable and will stay put for competitions. They test for heavy metals too. Another one that is more of a spot treatment, which might be nice since she’s younger is RMS Beauty Un Coverup. It will cover redness and even skin tone out. I wouldn’t get any tinted moisturizer as they have sunscreen in them and can make her face turn white in photos or pale looking.
Thoughts on Arbonne? They claim to be clean. Do you know if that’s accurate?
Hi Dena,
I looked into their products before and they aren’t up to my standards.
Hi Suzi,
New here! What do you think of the Au Naturale foundation stick? They market it as clean/non toxic, it’s not on the list so are there any hidden ingredients or something you don’t like about it?
Thanks!
Hi Brigitte,
I have used it but just didn’t love it. Really love Ogee’s foundation stick or Westman Atelier’s stick.
New to the clean beauty world. Loving all the Crunchi reviews, but EWG has it listed as a 4 on their clean scale. Do you know what they consider not clean in the foundation?
Hi Danielle,
Welcome! Excited you’re diving in. You have to be careful with EWG. Since it’s a computer, they don’t get it all right. They are rating the foundation low for rose fruit oil- which is totally fine, but they list as a potential allergy. They also are saying sodium benzoate, which it’s just all about the amount and what other ingredients are in there. I would not be concerned 😉
Great review! Thank you, beauty.
Hi Molly,
Thanks so much!
Hi Suzi,
Thanks for your insights.
Could you recommend a clean serum foundation without coconut oil/coconut alkanes and without water in a light neutral or cool shade?
Powders just don’t work for my dry skin.
I’m looking for a brand that’s also vegan and cruelty-free. Have yet to track down this unicorn and am hopeful you can help.
Thank you!
Hi Chantalle,
Let me dig into this. Offhand I don’t but let me do some research. I’ll be back with my findings. 🙂
Hi,
What powder foundation do you recommend? I try to avoid liquid foundation as I need something quick and easy to apply. Liquid foundations tend to break me out too. I’ve been searching high and low for a clean effective product that doesn’t dry out my skin with no luck.
Thank you!
Hi Teresa,
Have you looked into Alima Pure’s Foundation Powder? They have a lot of color options as well.
Hi Suzy,
Every foundation breaks me out especially ones with silicone, oils etc. I like full coverage not greasy. What would you recommend? Thanks Aimee
Hi Aimee,
Have you tried Beautycounter’s Skin Twin Foundation? I find it doesn’t break most people out and can be full coverage if you want. They also have a 60 money back guarantee so if for some reason you don’t like it you can get your money back which is so nice!
Hi Suzi,
I have dry 51 year old fair skin with pink undertones. I was looking for a clean foundation that does not break me out. I have extremely sensitive skin and was looking for a medium dewy coverage. Also I would prefer unscented, dimethicone free and oil free.
Hi Dana,
I don’t know of a truly oil free foundation, unless you used a mineral powder. The mineral powders I would recommend are Almia Pure.
Hi, I’m 34 years old, I have dry & sensitive skin. I use IL Makiage.
But I found that they’re not “clean”. Which one do u recommend for daily medium & sometimes full coverage?
I would check out Beautycounter Foundation Skin Twin. Such a great buildable foundation and good for sensitive skin.
What do you think of lancome skin care and foundation?
Hi Elaine,
I’m not a fan- it’s not a clean product.
Out of all of these which one are you using daily? Or what are your top two? I need Choices narrowed down to help me decide 😂
Hi Anna,
It depends on the season. For winter I like a little more hydration like Westman Ateiler’s Vital Skin Drops. Really dewy and gives my skin a smooth look and great coverage. I also like Beautycounter’s Twin Skin Foundation for everyday wear even in the summer months. Hope that helps! 🙂
Out of all 9 listed, which is your top pick?
I have sensitive, oily, acne prone skin, so I need all the help I can get!
Beautycounter Skin Twin is a great option! It can be returned within 60 days too if you don’t like it for some reason.
I am looking for a foundation that doesn’t have PEG in it. Every time I would buy different foundation my eyes would swell and face. I’m allergic to PEG. Any help I would appreciate it. I prefer trying it on so I know what color to use.
Hi Danielle,
None of these foundations have PEGs in them. I don’t allow it in my foundations either.
Is mineral Fusion any good?
Hi Moselle,
I think they are a decent option for clean makeup products. Affordable too compared to many clean beauty brands. I haven’t tried there products for a long time so I can’t speak to the effectiveness.
I’m a 67 yr old fair completed (light neutral/olive tones) Latina. I like to feel my face breathing and use light to medium coverage. I typically don’t spend too much time in the sun, but on occasion I do. Should I wear foundation with SPF all the time or use different ones depending on the amount of expected sun exposure? Which brands do you recommend with and/or without SPF. I want the safest and cleanest possible options.
Hi Elizabeth,
It really depends on what you’re doing. Some occasions you want more of a full coverage foundation and some you are in the pool and can get by with a tinted moisturizer. For a tinted moisturizer with spf I like Beautycounter’s Dew Skin. I also like Suntegrity’s 5-in-1 moisturizer.
Are bare minerals or tarte foundations natural ingredients?
Thank you !
Hi Emily,
No, I wouldn’t consider either clean brands. They fall under the “greenwashing” categories.
Hi Suzi!
What are your thoughts on Gressa serum foundation? https://www.gressaskin.com/products/minimalist-corrective-serum-foundation
Thanks for all you do!
Hi Lyndsey,
I tested it out years ago and I just didn’t love it. The texture felt like a paint thinner to me. It didn’t wear well throughout the day either for me.
Hey Suzi,
What are your thoughts on Arbonne’s foundation? They claim to be non-toxic and I love the feel of it, but I heard a few mixed reviews about some ingredients. Does there ingredient list look non-toxic to you?
Hi Kayla,
It has Cyclopentasiloxane as it’s second ingredient which means there is a lot of this in the formula. Cyclopentasiloxane does have concerns noted of low neurotoxicity, and endocrine disruption. The biggest issue really is that it has a high rate of bioaccumulation- meaning over time it can get stored in the body. That’s the biggest red flag.
Hey Suzi-
I have acne prone, sensitive skin. Which foundation would you recommend for me? I prefer full coverage.
Exa is great for acne prone skin and sensitive skin. 🙂
Hi Suzi, what do you think about Odacite SPF 50 Flex-Perfecting™ Mineral Drops Tinted Sunscreen for dry mature skin, I am 50.
Hi Uzma,
It’s very moisturizing and very oily. If you like something that is light and isn’t going to give you a ton of coverage it may be a good option.
Hi there. Not sure if you are still responding to comments, but I am wanting to do a full on replacement of all of my makeup to healthier options. The obstacle I am coming across is that I have no way to figure out my shade in certain products or just generally try them out at all before spending a ton of money on something I might not like that much. This article is really helpful, but I still feel like I would need to try them to get a sense of coverage and color….do you have any suggestions of how I might go about doing that? Like, could I go to Sephora and would they have some of these to try and then I could come buy them from you so you get the commission?
HI Ayla,
Aww, thanks for considering purchasing through my link- I so appreciate that! Yes, you can get some of these from Sephora. Also, I would reach out to brands, often brands will send samples if you pay for shipping.
Hey there, I’m new to clean beauty and trying to figure it all out! What do you think of Toups & Co?
Hi Brigette,
Toups & Co is very clean! I am about to start testing it out and have a blog post slated for the new year. 🙂
Hi Susie,
What do you think of Clinique products and Naked and thriving products? But are marked as “clean”
Hi Courtney,
Clinique is not a clean brand unfortunately, and Naked & Thriving I wasn’t familiar with but just looked them up and they look decent!
Are there any clean cosmetic foundation brands that do not have any sunscreen/sunblock ingredients?
Hi Jenn- All listed in this post are without SPF.
Hello,
What is your thoughts on LilyLolo’s
Mineral Foundation and BB Cream?
Thank you!
Hi Carolyn,
I like the products. Not my favorites, didn’t seem like they had great longevity to them for me personally.
Thank you for this list! I’ve been researching for weeks to find a new foundation that is super clean. I’m noticing a lot of foundations have sunflower oil in them and I avoid it as much as possible because of the high chance of it being rancid. Have you tried Ere Perez Oat Milk Foundation? It seems very clean and doesn’t have sunflower/safflower oil in it. I would love to hear your thoughts if you have any? Thanks!
I haven’t tried it, but if I do I’ll be sure to add it to the list. 🙂
Your thoughts on Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide in a Mineral Foundation
Hi! Thank you for all of the helpful information. I am looking for a foundation for my daughter for dance competitions. It really needs to be full coverage and matte to stand up to the harsh stage lights and sweat and also stay on the face and not rub off onto costumes. Any advice?
Hi Victoria,
I really like EXA because it’s a more matte foundation. Has a bit of satin in it, but leans towards matte and comes in so many shades. You could also look into applying a mineral powder on top to set it like Alima Pure for a true matte look.